Summer Kitchen (์ธ๋จธํค์น) in Gangneung: Casual French Dining with Signature Onion Soup
Experience French Home Cooking in Gangneung
Located near Gangwon National University and the historic Ojukheon area, Summer Kitchen (์ธ๋จธํค์น) offers a casual French dining experience in Gangneung. This restaurant is often praised for its warm and cozy atmosphere that blends French home-style cooking with a touch of European charm.
Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights
The onion soup is the standout dish here, frequently recommended by visitors and locals alike. It is prepared with slow-cooked onions and chicken broth over 5 hours, combined with toasted baguette and three types of French cheese, creating a rich yet comforting flavor. Many describe it as a perfect warm starter, especially on cooler days.
Seafood lovers often choose the Marseille-style pasta, an oil-based pasta featuring fresh mussels and shrimp, accented with arugula and a subtle bisque sauce. While the pasta receives mixed opinions regarding seasoning, its seafood freshness is commonly noted.
Steak options, including the Entrecรดte steak and duck confit steak, are generally well-liked for tenderness, though some guests find the seasoning on the entrecรดte a bit strong. Other notable dishes include beef bourguignon, abalone escargot (a creative twist on traditional escargot), and various French-style pastas and sides like cheese fondue and crรจme brรปlรฉe.
Ambiance and Additional Features
Summer Kitchen’s interior is described as warm and inviting, with European-style decor featuring brick walls, wooden tables, and charming small decorations. Large windows provide views of greenery, enhancing the relaxed vibe. The restaurant also has a terrace with limited seating, ideal for pleasant weather.
Upstairs, there is a small curated shop selling tableware, accessories, and wine, offering guests a chance to browse after their meal.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, via CatchTable or by phone.
- The restaurant has a break time from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Parking is available but limited; some guests suggest parking across the street in a nearby lot.
- Families with children and pet owners are welcome. The staff can adjust the spiciness of certain dishes to accommodate young diners.
- Food is typically served all at once, so plan accordingly for a leisurely meal.
Recent Local References (as of 12 May 2026)
Recent reviews highlight Summer Kitchen as a casual French spot with a strong signature onion soup and a pleasant atmosphere. While some find the steak seasoning a bit heavy and pasta flavors variable, the overall experience is positive. The 2nd-floor accessory shop is frequently mentioned as a nice addition to the visit. Visitors often note the importance of reservations due to frequent wait times, and the limited parking requires some care.
Location & How to Access
Summer Kitchen is located at 67-6 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (๊ฐ์ํน๋ณ์์น๋ ๊ฐ๋ฆ์ ์ฃฝํ๊ธธ 67-6 1์ธต). It is situated between Gangwon National University and Ojukheon, making it accessible for visitors exploring these areas. The restaurant operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (10:00 PM on some days), closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with a break time in the afternoon.
Phone reservations can be made at 0507-1400-5636. Parking is available but limited, so consider arriving early or using nearby public parking.
Please check current hours and reservation policies before visiting, as details may change.
